What the fans think about the A-League’s expansion options

A-LEAGUE fans have strong views about the FFA’s impending plans for expansion. But most agree that there is one team that would be their second club if it got a gig.

Could a Tasmanian A-League club model itself on the wildly successful Portland Timbers in the MLS? Picture: AP

TASMANIA would be everyone’s second team, while there is strong support for Wollongong’s return to the national stage.

South Melbourne would either be loved or loathed and Brisbane is cherry ripe for a second A-League club.

That’s the consensus of Australian football fans, with record numbers flocking to the Studs Up blog on Tuesday to air their views on A-League expansion.

Where should the A-League expand? Blogging now with @mattyheraldsun https://t.co/z6qm5fUmY1

— David Davutovic (@davutovic) November 22, 2016

Canberra also got strong support as a potential home for an A-League outfit.

Passionate Wollongong fans made it clear that a joint Sutherland-Illawarra bid wouldn’t work, declaring that each region had its own identity.

MORE:Examining the A-League’s expansion options

The Sutherland Shire, which has the biggest number of registered players in Australia, and Wollongong, which produced Socceroos Scott Chipperfield, Mile Sterjovski and Luke Wilkshire, both got strong stand-alone support however.

FILE - In this April 17, 2011, file photo, Portland Timber mascot Timber Joey saws through a log after the Portland Timbers scored their third goal during the second half of an MLS soccer match against FC Dallas in Portland, Ore. The fan fervor for the Portland Timbers hasn't changed, but what has is the Timbers' outlook as they shed the "expansion" label and embark on their sophomore season in Major League Soccer.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

Tasmania got widespread support

“Tasmania should look to the Portland Timbers in the MLS as a model. Home games are sold out week on week,’’ James said.

@davutovic @MattyHeraldSun Established teams with established fans and facilities. 1. South Melbourne; 2. Wollongong; 3. Brisbane Strikers.

— Christian Teese (@teese_christian) November 22, 2016

“Craft beer and great food at the stadium, great atmosphere, and a real Pacific North West vibe. If Tasmania did something similar, play out of North Hobart oval, then along with the home support, I think you’d get a lot of travelling fans as well, as Hobart is a fantastic place for a weekend trip.’’

Paul wrote: “Personally, I’d love to see Tasmania in. A real opportunity for football to establish itself as the no. 1 sport.’’

generic aerials in Tasmania. North Hobart Oval

Questions were also raised about the long-term viability of Wellington Phoenix and why FFA continued to back a New Zealand license yet overlooked the flood of expansion interest within Australia.

Fans also want to see football played out of rectangular venues,

“I really think that we should draw a line though playing at any AFL grounds full stop. I think it is the biggest thing holding the game back. We have to stop accepting near enough is good enough in regard to stadiums,’’ Adam posted.

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A Dandenong-Casey club, based out of Victoria’s rapidly growing southeast corridor, is viewed as an area with huge potential while Geelong had sporadic support.

“If the SE (southeast) Melbourne franchise can get a boutique stadium built through local councils then surely they are the best candidate,’’ Julian wrote.

South Melbourne (38 per cent) pipped Tasmania (35 per cent) in the poll about where the A-League should expand, with Wollongong (eight per cent) third.

FFA said they would reveal their expansion strategy “early next year”, but pressure is mounting for something to be released sooner.

Originally published as What the fans think about the A-League’s expansion options